are we using numbers tonight? i have been asked to invite a longtime resident to ask the first question, and that is margaret demint. are you here? hello. >> let me get my paperwork here. i have lived here all my life. my interest is in the english- language bills that have been before congress or so long. 85% of people recently surveyed would favor making english the official language. english has been voted america's official language in 30 states. why has the oregon delegation time after time refused to support the amendment? many good amendments have been offered in recent years that have never quite made the grade because some members have voted no every time. i asked you today, why? >> thank you very much. in just about every town hall in question comes up that has not come up before. you have taken that status right off the bat. my impression is that many people consider this a state's rights issue. you mentioned that 30 states have made that decision. 20 have decided not to. i do not recall that there was